O! Say Can You See?  . . . An American Identity is Born

For three years the young United States was embroiled in the War of 1812 and the Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of it, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. Through sites and landscapes in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, the Trail tells the stories of the events, people, and places that led to the birth of the U.S. national anthem. Read More

Close-up image of a map of the Trail
About the Trail

What is a National Trail? What is the Star-Spangled Banner Trail? Where does it go? Learn these answers and more!

A two-story brick structure with a covered entrance.
Explore the sites along the Trail

Use the Trail's interactive map to plan your adventures.

History & Culture
History & Culture

Learn about the War of 1812 and its impact on the Chesapeake region.

For Kids
For Kids

Earn your Star-Spangled Banner Trail Junior Ranger badge and more!

A family of three listens to a program by a living history interpreter in a historic house.
Things to Do

Paddle a canoe, visit a museum, or go geocaching. There are many ways to have fun along the Trail.

Last updated: October 20, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230

Phone:

410.962.4290

Contact Us